Are three parents really in the child's best interest?

January 2, 2007

(Ottawa) - A decision brought down on January 2, 2007, by the Court of Appeal for Ontario allows for the legal recognition of three parents. “Today’s ruling in favour of the so-called Three Parent Case sends an ominous message regarding the foundation of family,” stated Dave Quist, Executive Director of the Institute of Marriage and Family Canada.

There are significant short-term and long-term outcomes that follow this decision. “This ruling leaves a number of unanswered questions hanging over our heads. In the event of adversarial applications for parental recognition, who decides? How does custody work in three parent divorces? How many parents can a child have? How do grandparent rights apply?” asked Quist.

“Unfortunately, once again we see judicial activism creating public policy that will affect all of us. Any gaps in existing legislation should not be filled solely by one court, rather it needs to be debated in the appropriate public forum – our legislatures and parliament,” continued Quist.

“Although this is a provincial ruling, this lends support to our call for a Royal Commission on the Future of the Family,” concluded Quist. “The societal implications for this ruling have consequences that should not be decided solely by one court. Social engineering is not the purview of the court, nor should it be. Surely the needs and best interests of children have not been protected under this ruling.”

The Institute of Marriage and Family Canada is an initiative of Focus on the Family (Canada) and participated as an intervener in the Three Parent Case (AA v BB) case as a member of the Alliance for Marriage and the Family.